Free rugby shuttles operating for Waikato and All Blacks games

Kick-off in Waikato’s first game of the ITM Cup season is just over a week away and free shuttle buses will again be operating for games at Waikato Stadium.

There will also be free shuttles getting avid All Blacks fans to the stadium for their match against Argentina on Saturday 7 September.

Waikato Regional Council’s BUSIT service delivery manager Ben Barlow said the service had been popular with Chiefs fans during their successful Super Rugby season.

“On Saturday night we carried almost 1100 fans to and from Waikato Stadium for the Chiefs’ winning game against the Brumbies – more than any other night during the season.

“And over the entire season, our free rugby shuttles transported more than 3200 people from the Hood Street bus stop and back again,” he said.

Waikato Regional Council works with contractors Go Bus, as well as the Waikato Rugby Union and Hamilton City Council to provide the free shuttles.

“The shuttles allow people to avoid the hassles of trying to park close to the stadium and make it easier for revellers to get away after the final whistle has been blown.

“At the end of the game we get people into the CBD where they can celebrate what will hopefully be a very successful season for the Waikato side,” Mr Barlow said.

The free buses run for an hour before each game, and leave from Hood Street (outside the Knox Street carpark) every 10-15 minutes and will pick up people who signal them while waiting at any official bus stop on route.

Buses depart directly after the final whistle from Tristram Street, near the Mill Street intersection. They travel back to the CBD via Anglesea, Alexandra, Knox and Victoria streets. Drop offs will be made at any official bus stop.

People planning to use public transport to get to and from the games are encouraged to use BUSIT’s online journey planner and allow time to get to the stadium. Visit www.busit.co.nz for more information about the service and to plan your trip.